The Toronto Raptors are in Montreal for training camp with their preseason set to begin on Oct. 6 against the Washington Wizards.
There have been some players who have caught the attention of head coach Darko Rajakovic thus far.
One player who Rajakovic talked about making strides is Jakob Poeltl.
“He just looks like he’s in really good shape. He’s covering a lot of ground defensively, he’s doing a really good job playing in the pocket passing and paymaking. His voice is much more present this year than it was last year so he’s feeling more comfortable you know, stopping the practice and making sure that he’s communicating with guys, helping younger guys as well,” Rajakovic told reporters.
Rajakovic also mentioned RJ Barrett and Chris Boucher among Raptors’ standouts. The last player Rajakovic highlighted was Gradey Dick.
Dick’s defense, has been much better as the sophomore has shown more intensity on that end of the floor.
“He’s doing better job there, obviously, with him and with (the) whole team that’s going to be work in progress, just understanding amount of pressure that you need to have to make offense uncomfortable, but at the same time not doing silly things and getting easily beat,” Rajakovic said of Dick.
Rajakovic was then asked if anyone else on the Raptors surprised him with their defensive effort.
“I think that all the guys made progress I would not say that like anybody surprised me, because I did have expectations, and the whole summer we were talking about it. So I think everybody raised the level of their intensity and I’m pleased with that,” he said.
It seems like Toronto has spent the summer working on its on-ball defense and overall defensive effort. Rajakovic’s comments suggest the team is making a lot of progress in that area.
Darko Rajakovic reveals plan for Davion Mitchell this season
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Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic shared his expectations for Mitchell and what he wants to see him get better at this season.
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